Rome shore excursion - Rome and the Hilltowns

Tour Description:

If you want to see a bit of the city and then relax and enjoy the view in the Roman countryside, then this tour is a great option. In order to include both you will select a few of your favorite sites from the many major sites of the city (see suggested sites though they are farily flexible) and visit these in the morning during the first few hours of the tour. By late morning it is time to head for the hills of the wine region, otherwise known as Castelli Romani. This is just a 20-minute drive outside of Rome`s city walls where you will drive along the beautiful Appian Way. This is where the Romans go for great wine and food when they want to get out of the city.

Before lunch if would like, we can also arrange for a wine tasting of some excellent Italian vintages and accompanied by finger foods.  The tasting is enhanced by the helpful guidance of a prefessional sommelier.  “Pagnanelli”, a family run establishment in Castel Gandolfo, is an incredible restaurant that boasts more than 35,000 bottles of wine in their cellars that are built in an ancient volcano. You can also enjoy some pasta “fatta in casa” (homemade) on Lake Albano, the deepest lake in Lazio formed by two ancient volcanic craters. The world falls away as Lake Albano sets the stage for of the most amazing food and wine of the region along wtih breathtaking views.  Of course the mention of Pagnanelli is solely our recommendation and our driver guide is happy to give you restaurant suggestions to suit your tastes and budget.

After lunch we will drive a short distance to the small medieval village of Castel Gandolfo where you will see the summer residence of the Pope in the main Square. Here we will take some time to stretch our legs walking through the medieval village which is anchored by the summer residence of the Pope for over 500 years right in the main square before setting sail sail relaxed and with a day full of wonderful memories of the Rome and the countryside. 

Additional Information To Note:

• This tour starts from the port of Civitavecchia.
• The approximate length of the day is 9.5 hours.
• For the city portion in the morning, we suggest that the Colosseo is probably best done as an outside overview to make the most of your time in Rome.
• The optional wine tasting with a professional sommelier is available most days and the cost is typically 25E per person. If you would like more diversity in your tasting, depending on the types of wine and how many you would like to taste we can arrange for and expanded tasting for an additional cost. The cost of wine tastings are not included in the cost of the tour. Finger foods are included with the tasting. Please let us know if you would like to include this option in your day and for how many people so that we may reserve in advance for you. 
• Wine tastings, lunches, admissions and gratuities are not included in the price of the tour.